Why should you listen to me?

1,000+ Connections on LinkedIn

1,400+ Friends on FB

My network connected me to my last 5 roles

So what is networking?

Formal Definition:

The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.

Better Definition:

The cultivation of productive relationships for employment and business.

Easy enough, right?

But what does this mean?

Getting to the bottom of things...

Networking is...

Building mutually beneficial relationships with shared knowledge and resources.

Why should I care about networking?

WHAT you know is important...

WHO you know might be more important

Job hunting WITHOUT networking:

Job hunting WITH networking:

A good network has benefits

• Recommendations
• New Opportunities
• Mentorship
• Expanded Reach

Who makes up the network?

Degrees of Networking

Ground Zero: Nuclear Network

HIGH VOUCH, MODERATE KNOWLEDGE

Those closest to you

Ground Zero: Nuclear Network

• Family Members
• Close Friends
• Close Co-Workers

1° : "Work" Circle

HIGH VOUCH, HIGH KNOWLEDGE

Those you have worked with in some capacity

1° : "Work" Circle

• Teammates
• Co-Workers
• Organizations

2° : I know a guy*

MODERATE VOUCH, MOD/HIGH KNOWLEDGE

Those you have met but haven't worked with

2° : I know a guy*

• Conferences Attendees
• Networking Events
• Connected via mutual friend

3° : Peripheral Network

LOW VOUCH, MODERATE KNOWLEDGE

Those you have not met but may interact with

3° : Peripheral Network

• Social Media
• Friends of 2° Friends
• Members of Other Orgs

Target the sweet spot

1. They know you and your skills
2. They believe you'd be an awesome fit

How do we
initiate and cultivate
these connections?

Have a plan when you can

Set a goal to meet 10 new people

Don't let titles dissuade you

You don't know who or what they know yet

Fight fear, make the first move

Remember to Pac-Man!

Small talk leads to more talk

Start simple, the conversation will grow organically

In a room full of them...

be a YOU

Your real self will serve you far better than your representative self

Be a genuine listener

Be present in the conversation so you can remember the connection

Consider how you can help

One-sided relationships don't last long

Trade contact info

You can't help or be helped if you can't get in touch

Follow up and follow through!

Okay. We've covered:

What

Why

Who

How

When and where should we network?

All the time.

EH. VREE. WHERE.

Everywhere but funerals and bathrooms

When opportunities arise...

TAKE THEM

Awesome spots to network:

Major Keys

COMMUNICATION

CONNECTION

FOLLOW THROUGH

More than a network, we're building...

a CONNECTwork!

You've GOT this!